Rungli Rungliot Tea Garden – An offbeat for Monsoon Tourism

For a long time, my close friend Sudipta and I had been thinking of staying in the tea estates of Darjeeling but never thought of doing it during the monsoon.
But let me tell you that my friend Sudipta inspired me a lot to start my travel blog and continues to inspire me.
I have read about monsoon tourism in many travel journals and on social media, and also, I have never been to Darjeeling before during the monsoon. So, first decided to spend two days in any tea garden and finally one day in Darjeeling. This was our itinerary for monsoon tourism.
After reviewing many tea gardens near Darjeeling, we finally decided to travel to Rungli Rungliot tea garden, as I had visited Takdah in 2017 and got a glimpse of the beauty of this tea garden at that time.After our train tickets were confirmed, we booked the homestay and Darjeeling hotel in advance from Kolkata, but verbally.
Finally, on August 11, 2023, we started our journey from Sealdah station to NJP by Darjeeling mail, and it had been raining heavily since the departure of the train that day. This was how our monsoon tourism started.
The next morning, we reached NJP just in time, and Prasanth bhai (an experienced driver) was already waiting for us outside the station as his car was supposed to take us to our offbeat destination.
But even though he could not go with us that day due to his urgent work, he arranged an alternative vehicle to take us to Rungli Rungliot.
But, as promised, Prasanth bhai drove us from our hotel in Darjeeling to Siliguri in his own car. However, without wasting much time, we left for Darjeeling in Santosh Chhetri’s (Prashanth’s friend) car, and then we stopped at Kalijhora for breakfast.
Santosh Chhetri (mobile# +91 8597696548) is an experienced driver and well-behaved too. He basically belongs to Kailmpong. The momo and thukpa we tasted at a restaurant in Kalijhora were incomparable in taste. But I forgot to note down the restaurant’s name in my notebook.
Then we followed the 27mile-Takdah route to reach the Takdah Orchid Centre to take pictures. From there, we finally reached Sandeep Homestay in Rungli Rungliot tea garden within a short time.
Sandeepji, the owner of the homestay, greeted us with a sweet smile. We were very happy to see the room allotted to us, as it is a clean, large room with full woodwork and large windows. Thus began the story of our monsoon tourism in Rungli Rungliot tea garden.

Rungli Rungliot Tea Garden (some locals spell it Runglee Rungliot) is one of the best offbeat destinations for travelers to stay among the tea gardens. The array of tall pine trees, the green carpet of tea gardens all around, the dense mist, the magical appearance of distant hill villages, tea processing factory —these are the features of this tea garden.
This tea garden produces orthodox-quality tea and is one of the oldest and most established tea gardens in Takdah (Darjeeling district). Being a lesser-known place among tourists, the place is relatively quiet. Hence, it is an ideal offbeat place for nature lovers.

Story of Rungli Rungliot Tea Garden

According to local folklore, a legendary Buddhist monk traveled to this tea garden in search of the best aromatic tea. Overwhelmed by the aroma and light color of the tea here, he uttered two words: “Rungli Rungliot“, which literally means ‘Thus far and no further‘. This is how the tea garden was named.

Where is this Tea Garden Located?

Altitude: At around 4300 ft above the sea level.
Location: This tea garden is located in Rangli Rangliot CD block in the Darjeeling Sadar subdivision of Darjeeling district in the state of West Bengal, India.
Some famous tea gardens, like Namring, Teesta Valley, Gielle, Pubong (also called as  Poobong or Pumong) are located near this tea garden.

Essential Information of  Rungli Rungliot Tea Garden

Nearest Airport

International: Bagdogra Airport (IXB), WB

Nearest Town

Darjeeling Town (Also known as Queen of the Hills)

Nearest Main Railway Stations

• New Jalpaiguri (NJP)
• Ghum Railway Station: This station of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) is the highest railway station in India and is situated at an altitude of 7,407 feet. The famous Batasia Loop (a famous bend of the DHR) is located between Ghum and Darjeeling railway stations, which is the most scenic spot and attracts a lot of tourists.
  The railway station has a museum that portrays the history of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.

Owner of the Tea Garden

Earlier, this tea garden belonged to Duncans Industries Limited. A premium Darjeeling tea, Runglee Rungliot, was one of Duncans oldest tea brands.
But now MERICO has taken over the tea garden.

Distance from Rungli Rungliot Tea Garden (Approx. Measurement)

Local Medical Facilities

The nearest government PHC is located in Takdah. A dispensary run by the tea garden authority is located in this tea garden, which is only for tea garden workers, but its condition is not very good.
As this tea garden is very close to Darjeeling town, anyone can go there for any medical emergency, as the Darjeeling District Hospital and private health centers are there.

Post office

A small Indian post office can be seen near Rungli Rungliot Market. Especially in rural India, whose importance cannot be ignored even in today’s email age.

How to Reach

Take the 27mile-Takdha route from Siliguri through the Sevok, passing through several tea gardens to reach the Takdah Orchid Centre. After some time, you will reach the zero point of Rungli Rungliot.
You can get a reserved car from NJP,Siliguri,Bagdogra,Darjeeling or Kalimpong. Also, you can request your homestay owner to arrange pickup service from your pickup point, but definitely in advance.
Shared taxis and Jeeps are available from Sevoke Road (behind Vishal Cinema Hall or Ranjit Garage) in Siliguri to Takdah, which will take you to this tea garden.
Since there is bus service on the Darjeeling-Takdah route in the afternoon, so you can come to this tea garden by bus. But check the latest timetable of the bus before traveling.
Also, there is a daily shared jeep service from Lingding to Darjeeling in the morning, and you can return to Rungli Rungliot by this jeep in the evening.

Local people and their livelihood

According to current data, the population of Rungli Rungliot tea garden is estimated to be 3,192 in 2023.
Most of the villagers here are dependent on tea plantations, and their main source of income is based on tea plantations. They are basically involved in various types of work in tea plantations and tea processing factories.Also, locals cultivate various types of vegetables and ginger (a cash crop here) on their land, and some are involved in small businesses.
Apart from these, there are some local inhabitants in various government posts and in the Indian Army. But now some villagers have found a new way of earning by converting part of their residences into homestays. Now they understand the importance of tourism, as this new source of income can boost the local economy.

Most of the total population here belongs to the Tamang community. That’s why Losar is celebrated here in a very grand manner every year. Besides, other Hindu festivals like Dashain, Diwali, and Holi are also celebrated here.

Local Delicacy

The variety of local cuisine here will truly give you a new experience. On this trip, I also had the opportunity to taste some unique ethnic dishes along with traditional and popular dishes. I have tried to highlight it in this blog post.
If you want to know my earlier experience with such ethnic dishes, then definitely click the Gastronomy category of this blog link where I gave ideas about those dishes.

• Iskus ko Munta (Chayote or Squash stems): It is an important part of the traditional diet of the eastern Himalayan region and has many health benefits.
  It is fried with tree tomato (locally known as Ruk Tamatar), onion, and chili (preferably with Dalle Khursani), which is very tasty but very simple. It is rich in various essential minerals, vitamins, and fiber.

• Ningro Ko Tarkari (Sauted fiddlehead fern): In the Himalayan region, it is one of the favorite wild vegetables that is often used and contains many nutrients. It can be prepared very quickly, as the cooking method is very simple.

• Kinema Curry: Kinema is an ethnic fermented soybean-based food native to this area. It contains many health-beneficial ingredients like antioxidants, low cholesterol content, digestible protein, etc. Hence, it is considered a functional food among the locals.
  It is produced by natural fermentation, hence the sticky type of curry with a pungent smell.
• Gundruk Ko Jhol
• Tomba: It is a traditional alcoholic drink that is made from fermented millet seeds. It is very popular in Nepal, Bhutan, and parts of India such as Darjeeling and Sikkim and has cultural and social importance in the region.
  You can taste this drink while traveling here, if you like.

Where to Stay

There are a few homestays in these tea gardens, which are generally clean, well-furnished, and equipped with modern amenities. Since most of the homestays are run by local residents, the food they serve has a taste of local cuisine.
Some homestays have parking facilities and also arrange transportation to nearby attractions. Carry at least one original ID proof with you.
You can easily get all the latest essential information from various online travel booking sites or by calling the phone numbers given below. Here are some homestay details for you.

• Sandeep Homestay, Rangli Zimba Dhura
  Owner: Mr. Sandeep Pariyar, +91 90021 22470 (WhatsApp)
  Contact Person: Mr. Purab Pariyar, Owner’s son, +91 81164 14417 (WhatsApp)

Our stay at Sandeep Homestay was wonderful, for which I credit Purab Ji, his father Sandeep Ji, and his mother. They are really very gentle, simple person.
In short, their hospitality is unforgettable. Delicious food along with cordial hospitality gave our trip another dimension, which will forever be etched in our memories.

Sandeepji’s son Purab Pariyar has been a very brilliant student since childhood and has just completed his MSc. from North Bengal University. Due to a personal emergency, he could not stay in Rungli Rungliot Tea Garden during our journey, but he informed his parents in advance to take good care of us. Especially before the trip, I requested some local delicacies from him. Indeed, he fulfilled my request. So, I express my special thanks to him.

Note: Shared jeeps are available from this homestay to go to Darjeeling every morning (8am to 9am), but you must tell the owner of the Sandeep homestay in advance for booking, otherwise you may not get a place.

A special note for the owner of the Sandeep homestay
“Thank you so much for the wonderful hospitality, and I hope that I will stay again at your beautiful homestay.”

• Nimto Homestay, Rungli Tea Garden
  Owner: Manoj Pariyar
  Phone: +91 99323 45771, 97341 90886
  Note: This homestay is located just beside the Sandeep Homestay. The Owner of this homestay is Sandeepji’s elder brother.

• Zambala Homestay
  Phone: +91 96418 77327, 90027 00887,89182 31198
• Sabitri Homestay
  This homestay is located near the Zero Point of Rungli Rungliot.
  Phone: +91 97340 12956,94340 64543,87689 04340

I have only shared with you my memorable experiences with homestay owners, or drivers, while traveling, but your experience may not be the same as mine. Hence, I have no responsibility in that case. I am just sharing information only.

What to do & Nearest Attractions

Village Walk & Explore Local Market: Many communities have been living together in this tea garden for a long time, so each community has its own dances, songs, food, customs, and culture that you can explore if you have time and interest. There is a Buddhist monastery near the local market. Visit that Buddhist monastery and talk with lamas while roaming, which will give you a sense of serenity.

Tea Gaden & Factory visit: You can walk through the tea gardens, chat with the tea workers, and visit the the zero point of the Rungli Rungliot tea plantation, where you can see a true reflection of rural life in the hills.
The tea garden factory is usually closed on Sundays and holidays. Remember that permission from the authorities is required to have experience of the tea processing process in the factory.

Nature Photography: This tea garden is ideal for those who love nature photography, especially during monsoons. However, please be careful not to damage the delicate tea leaves when taking pictures inside the tea garden.

One-day short travel: This famous tea garden is closely located near some popular and offbeat tourist attractions like Takdah Cantonment, Tinchuley, Lamahatta, Rangaroon, Dawaipani , Gumbadara, Darjeeling town, Bara Mangwa, Chota Mangwa and so on.

Monsoon Tourism in Rungli Rungliot Tea Garden

Features

Rhythm of rain, the lush green shade across the valley, misty rain-soaked uncharted mountain roads, the roar of the mountain spring, the play of clouds on the tops of tall pine trees, the white blanket of mist, a piping hot cup of the musky spiciness aroma of Darjeeling tea, and homemade squash-stuffed veg momo with Dalle mixed chutney.
All these features have put Rungli Rungliot tea garden on the monsoon tourism map, and the popularity of this tea garden will increase in the days to come.
Since there are very few tourists during this time, one gets a real taste of the peaceful life here.
Homestay, transport, or shopping—you’ll find the best deals on everything during this time.

Please keep in mind

√ Don’t forget to pack an umbrella and raincoat during the monsoon.
√ Temperatures are usually likely to drop at night, so keep warm clothing.
√ Be careful not to slip when going up or down steep roads during this time.
√ During the rainy season, the presence of leeches increases, so follow the advice of the locals to avoid them.
√ Wear shoes (with good sole grip) instead of sandals.
√ Do not leave the homestay after evening, as there is fear of wild animals.
√ Carry some medicine with you, such as for upset stomach and pain, vomiting or fever.

We were not allowed to enter the tea processing factory because we did not have permission. But we really wanted to see the entire process, from tea leaves to tea packaging in the factory. Nowadays, as per the promotion of tea tourism, many tea gardens organize tea tasting sessions for tourists, but I don’t know if there is any such arrangement this tea garden. So, we hope that we will get that opportunity in the future.

Weather & Best time to Visit

During the summer months (April to mid-June), the weather in Rungli Rungliot is very pleasant. On a clear day, the peaks of the Himalayas are visible, which will mesmerize you. So, many tourists arrive during that time.
The monsoon months (July to September) are the time of heavy rainfall, but those who want to witness the different forms of rain and clouds in lush green tea gardens must visit.
Since we visited this tea garden during the monsoon, we got a chance to see its wonderful beauty. It’s true that I don’t have enough vocabulary to properly describe that beauty.
But before traveling during this time, you must know the local weather forecast, as landslides are common in this area due to heavy rains that can close some roads. Besides, during the rainy season, the chances of seeing Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan peaks are very low due to the foggy weather.
The winter months (October to February) are the ideal time to witness the majestic view of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks. During this time, many migratory birds come to this region, making this region a paradise for bird watchers.

The popularity of this charming tea garden is increasing day by day for monsoon tourism and tea tourism. So, you can come here anytime of the year.

Here are some breathtaking videos and photos from this trip, which I have already uploaded to my travel blog’s Instagram, Facebook, and X(Twitter) accounts. I hope you enjoy those.
My travel blog has just completed one year. So, I am requesting your opinion. Please leave your comments, feedback, or suggestions in the comments section at the bottom of each blog post (see the below screenshot). Also, mention your name & location. So that I can present my best in the future.

The Rungli Rungliot Tea Garden (one of the oldest in India) is associated with a famous British Novelist and Memoirist, Margaret Rumer Godden (Born: 10 December 1907 – Died: 8 November 1998).
In the 1940s, during World War II, writer Rumer Godden spent a year with her two daughters on a tea garden in Rungli Rungliot, downstream from Darjeeling. During that time, she wrote a travel memoir of the same name, which was later published as a book. This book depicts a quiet, meditative life and is ideal for mountain lovers. This book was originally published in 1943 and had 130 pages.

• Tea Tourism – Emerging power in North Bengal & Sikkim